“US sees surge in ‘No King’ protests, multiple states ramp up security”

On Saturday (October 18), massive protests under the name “No Kings” erupted in various parts of the United States, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets to protest against President Trump and his government policies. In New York, organizers included organizations such as the Communist Party USA, leading to increased security measures in multiple states.

Protests simultaneously took place in major cities including Washington, New York, Boston, New Orleans, and Atlanta. Many participants wore inflatable dinosaur, chicken, lobster, and other costumes, holding banners opposing Trump administration policies on immigration, abortion, LGBT rights, and military deployment.

At the rally in Washington, lawyer Christi told Epoch Times that she provides legal aid to vulnerable groups reliant on social welfare and feels significant pressure due to the current political climate. William Scott Kelly, a veteran who served in Iraq, criticized Trump for deploying the National Guard to intervene in local law enforcement, stating that it violates the Posse Comitatus Act.

In Dallas, the march was organized by the progressive group “Indivisible Dallas.” Organizer Samantha Mitchell referred to Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “authoritarian leaders,” accusing them of oppressing minority groups and the LGBT community, urging people to “stand up for humanity, not political parties.”

Regarding the widespread protests under the name “No Kings,” Trump had previously responded during his first event in June, saying, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get any policy through.”

He emphasized that the U.S. political system is full of resistance and constraints, and the president is not a supreme ruler with unlimited power.

The “No Kings” movement, which began on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the military parade, kicked off in Philadelphia, drawing tens of thousands of participants. The movement, initiated by several leftist and progressive organizations, covers issues such as immigration reform, gender equality, environmental protection, labor, and social welfare.

According to their official website, the movement has hundreds of collaborating partners, including the ACLU, Reproductive Freedom for All, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn.org, and various labor unions.

However, in the list of organizers for the New York event, extreme left-wing organizations such as the Communist Party USA, Youth Communist Alliance, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and Socialist Party USA appeared, leading to concerns about infiltration by far-left forces.

Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, a spokesperson for the “No Kings” movement, told Epoch Times that the Communist Party USA only participated in the New York event and is not a national organizer. She emphasized that the movement adheres to non-violence principles, urging participants to avoid carrying any weapons and to prioritize de-escalation.

Anti-communist scholar Trevor Loudon pointed out that while the “No Kings” movement attracts many Democratic Party members and community groups, its core strength comes from communist organizations. These forces aim to suppress Trump’s camp through Antifa before the 2026 congressional elections.

The protests erupted amid the third week of the federal government shutdown, prompting several states to bolster security. Texas Governor Abbott mobilized the National Guard and state law enforcement, vowing not to tolerate chaos. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also deployed law enforcement, expressing support for peaceful demonstrations while warning of zero tolerance for destruction and violence.

Republicans widely condemned the protest activities. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the event in a Fox News interview as a “pro-Hamas and Antifa anti-American assembly,” implying that some Democratic lawmakers are delaying negotiations to reopen the government to cater to radical grassroots voters.

Some Democratic lawmakers hope to pressure the Republicans through these protests to restart negotiations. Representative Rosa DeLauro told Epoch Times earlier this week that she hoped October 18 would be a turning point to make the GOP listen to the will of the people.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his participation in the rally, refuting Republican accusations of “intimidating protesters.” He posted on the social platform X, saying, “No Kings Day means we will not remain silent.”

(Adapted from an article in English from Epoch Times)